August 19, 2012

Nobis, a two-time
All-American and winner of the 1965 Outland Trophy, was the first overall
selection by the expansion Falcons in the ’66 NFL draft and received a large
bonus to keep him away from the Houston Oilers of the rival AFL, who also took
him in the first round. He became the centerpiece of the new club’s defense,
moving directly into the starting lineup at middle linebacker.

1966 Season Summary

Appeared in all 14 games

(Bracketed numbers indicate
league rank in Top 20)

Sacks – N/A

Interceptions – 0

Fumble recoveries – 1

Awards & Honors:

NFL Rookie of the Year: NEA,
Sporting News

Pro Bowl

Falcons went 3-11 to finish
seventh in the NFL Eastern Conference.

Aftermath:

Nobis followed up his
noteworthy rookie season by achieving first-team All-Pro honors in 1967 from
the Associated Press and New York Daily News as well as a second Pro Bowl
selection. He was again a Pro Bowl selection in ’68, along with being a
consensus second-team All-Pro, but knee injuries cost him most of the 1969 and
’71 seasons. When healthy, he was still a premier linebacker and was selected
to two more Pro Bowls, following 1970 and ’72. Nobis played through 1976, a
total of 11 years and 133 games, and ended up with 12 interceptions – two of
which he returned for touchdowns – 13 fumble recoveries, and five Pro Bowl
selections while playing for a team that never reached the postseason. The
Falcons retired his #60.

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Rookie of the Year Profiles feature players who were named Rookie of the Year in
the NFL (including NFC/AFC), AFL (1960-69), or USFL (1983-85) by a recognized
organization (Associated Press – Offense or Defense, Newspaper Enterprise
Association, United Press International, The Sporting News, or the league
itself – Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Year).